Vehicle protection system to secure a protective covering to an axle of a vehicle

ABSTRACT

A system for protecting the body and frame of a vehicle from flying debris, particularly during a tire blowout includes a mounting apparatus configured to secure a protective shield, which may be a protective plate and/or fender, to an axle of a vehicle. In embodiments, the protective plate may be mounted to the axel via a mounting apparatus, and the fender may further be mounted to the mounting apparatus and/or protective plate. In some embodiments, the protective plate may be mounted directly to the axel, and the fender may further be mounted to the protective plate, whereby the plate may serve as the mounting apparatus.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/111,334, filed on Dec. 3, 2020, which is incorporated herein in itsentirety.

BACKGROUND

The embodiments herein relate generally to vehicles and vehicleprotection systems. In specific embodiments, the disclosed subjectmatter relates to devices and methods for protecting non-motorizedvehicles, such as trailers or RVs.

Vehicles, and in particular recreational vehicles (RVs), can sufferdamage from flying debris, for example from a tire blowout. In suchinstances, debris can project at a high rate of speed to contact anddamage the frame and body of the vehicle, and may further create a roadhazard. As such, an improved system is needed.

SUMMARY

Disclosed is a system for protecting the body and frame of a vehiclefrom flying debris, particularly debris from a tire blowout.

In embodiments, the vehicle may be a non-motorized vehicle which may bepulled bya motorized vehicle, such as an RV trailer, toy hauler, 5^(th)wheel, travel trailer, and the like.

In embodiments, the disclosed system may comprise a mounting apparatusconfigured to secure a protective shield, which may be a protectiveplate and/or fender, to an axle of a vehicle. In embodiments, theprotective plate may be mounted to the axle via a mounting apparatus,and the fender may further be mounted to the mounting apparatus and/orprotective plate. In some embodiments, the protective plate may bemounted directly to the axle, and the fender may further be mounted tothe protective plate, whereby the plate may serve as the mountingapparatus.

In embodiments, the mounting apparatus may comprise a telescopingassembly including an inner tube slidably mounted to an outer tube inone of a plurality of locking positions, wherein the outer tube of thetelescoping assembly may be configured to couple to the fender, and theinner tube of the telescoping assembly may be configured to couple tothe axle of the vehicle, thereby securing the fender to the axle of thevehicle.

In an alternative embodiment, the mounting apparatus may comprise a pairof bracket plates, which may also be protective plates (“protectiveplate bracket”), disposed around the axle of the vehicle and configuredto permit attachment of the fender thereto, wherein the fender issecured in a position that extends around the tire on the axle of thevehicle.

In further embodiments, the disclosed system may comprise a protectiveplate bracket, which may comprise a semi-circular or partial-circularcutout configured to wrap around the axle. In embodiments, theprotective plate bracket may comprise at least two pieces, withcomplementary partialcircular cutouts, configured to encircle the axlewhen coupled together via various coupling elements. In furtherembodiments, a U-bolt mount, a drum brake plate and/or the brake plateaxle bracket may be utilized for further securing the protective platebracket to the axle. In yet further embodiments, the protective platebracket may have a ‘wing’ design. In other embodiments, the protectiveplate may have a semi-circular design.

According to various embodiments, the disclosed system may be configuredto accommodate all variations of axle positions, sizes and additionalhardware like drum brake assemblies, single, tandem, and/or triple axletrailers, etc. The disclosed system may also include adjustable mountingpositions to accommodate different vehicles. The disclosed system mayfurther allow for independent articulation of eachaxle/wheel and tire tomaintain consistent spacing of all protective devices (e.g. wingbracket, fender) and to provide the same protection regardless of theposition or the axle and speed of the wheel and tire across all types ofterrain.

The disclosed system may protect the vehicle from damage during ablowout of a tire on the axle, including from flying debris in a tireblowout. This may protect the exterior of the vehicle (e.g. trailer)from being damaged from debris, and may reduce or eliminate thepotential for additional debris to be torn off the exterior of thevehicle, and/or strike other vehicles on the road. Thus, the disclosedsystem may significantly reduce repair costs and may further preventaccident(s) that may be caused by substantially containing such flyingdebris to prevent it from creating a road hazard.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The detailed description of some embodiments of the invention will bemade below with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein thefigures disclose one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of certain embodiments of the mountingapparatus shown in use on a vehicle;

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of certain embodiments of the mountingapparatus shown in use on a vehicle;

FIG. 3 depicts an exploded view of certain embodiments of the mountingapparatus;

FIG. 4 depicts a section view of certain embodiments of the mountingapparatus, taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 5 depicts a section view of certain embodiments of the mountingapparatus, taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of certain embodiments of the mountingapparatus illustrating an alternate installation on the vehicle;

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of certain embodiments of the mountingapparatus illustrating the alternate installation on the vehicle;

FIG. 8 depicts a top perspective view of a first alternate embodiment ofthe mounting apparatus shown in use on a vehicle with a slip-on bracket;

FIG. 9 depicts a bottom perspective view of the first alternateembodiment of the mounting apparatus with the slip-on bracket;

FIG. 10 depicts a section view of the first alternate embodiment of themounting apparatus, taken along line 10-10 in FIG. 8 ;

FIG. 11 depicts an exploded view of the first alternate embodiment ofthe mounting apparatus;

FIG. 12 depicts a perspective view of a second alternate embodiment ofthe mounting apparatus;

FIG. 13 depicts a bottom perspective view of the second alternateembodiment of the mounting apparatus;

FIG. 14 depicts a section view of the second alternate embodiment of themounting apparatus, taken along line 14-14 in FIG. 12 ;

FIG. 15 depicts an exploded view of the second alternate embodiment ofthe mounting apparatus;

FIG. 16 depicts a perspective view of a third alternate embodiment ofthe mounting apparatus;

FIG. 17 depicts a perspective of a wing plate of the third alternateembodiment;

FIG. 18 depicts a section view of the third alternate embodiment of themounting apparatus, taken along line 16-16 in FIG. 16 ;

FIG. 19 depicts an exploded view of the third alternate embodiment ofthe mounting apparatus;

FIG. 20 depicts a perspective view of a fourth alternate embodiment ofthe mounting apparatus;

FIG. 21 depicts a perspective view of a wing plate of the fourthalternate embodiment;

FIG. 22 depicts a section view of the fourth alternate embodiment of themounting apparatus, taken along line 22-22 in FIG. 20 ;

FIG. 23 depicts an exploded view of the fourth alternate embodiment ofthe mounting apparatus;

FIG. 24 depicts a perspective view of a fifth alternate embodiment ofthe mounting apparatus;

FIG. 25 depicts a perspective view of a wing plate of the fifthalternate embodiment;

FIG. 26 depicts a section view of the fifth alternate embodiment of themounting apparatus, taken along line 26-26 in FIG. 24 ; and

FIG. 27 depicts an exploded view of the fifth alternate embodiment ofthe mounting apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

In certain embodiments, the mounting apparatus is configured to secure afender covering to the axle of a vehicle so that the fender extendsaround one of the tires of the vehicle. In one embodiment, mountingapparatuses are used to secure fenders to the axles of the vehicle toextend around all tires of the vehicle individually. This protects thebody and frame of the vehicle from flying debris from tire blowoutsand/or road debris.

According to various embodiments, disclosed is a vehicle protectionsystem for mounting at least one protective element to an axle of avehicle. In embodiments, the system may comprise a mounting apparatusconfigured to mount to an axle 44 of a vehicle 48, in order to secure aprotective shield to the axle at an inner (i.e. rear or back) side ofthe tire. In embodiments, the mounting apparatus may be structured tosecure a protective element or shield around the tire, which may protectthe vehicle from flying debris. In some embodiments, the protectiveelement may itself mount to the axle. In embodiments, the protectiveelement may be a protective back plate (plate bracket) which isconfigured to cover at least a portion of the inner side face (i.e. rearside face) of the tire 46. This may be at least about 10% of the innerside face, or about 30%, about 40%, or about 45%, or more of the innertire face, according to various embodiments. In some furtherembodiments, the protective element may be a fender. In embodiments, thefender may cover approximately 50% of the top tire area. In yet furtherembodiments, the fender may mount to the protective plate, to themounting apparatus, or both. For example, in embodiments where theprotective plate is mounted to the mounting apparatus, the mountingapparatus together with the protective plate may be structured tosupport the fender, thus providing a secondary protective element. Inother embodiments, the protective plate may mount to the axle, andfurther be structured to support the fender. The protective plate mayhave various designs, such as a circular or “half-moon” design, a “wing”or partial wing design, according to various embodiments. Additionally,the protective plate may comprise one, or multiple plate pieces,according to various embodiments. In some embodiments, the vehicle 48may be a non-motorized vehicle, such as an RV trailer, toy hauler,5^(th) wheel, travel trailer, and the like, which may be pulled by amotorized vehicle. However, it shall be appreciated that the mountingapparatus can be used with any vehicle comprising a wheel and axleassembly.

In one embodiment, as depicted in FIGS. 1-5 , the mounting apparatus maybe coupled to axle 44 of vehicle 48, such as an RV trailer in an overslung suspension assembly 52. The mounting apparatus may secure aprotective back plate 38, and a fender 42 to axle 44 so that back plate38 and fender 42 extend around tire 46, with back plate 38 covering aportion of the back side of the tire 46. As shown, back plate 38 mayhave a semi-circular or “half-moon” configuration. This installation iscompleted using multiple mounting apparatuses so that each tire 46 ofvehicle 48 is positioned within a corresponding back plate 38 and fender42.

In embodiments, the mounting apparatus may generally comprise atelescoping assembly comprising outer tube 20 slidably mounted to innertube 18. A cap 22 may be coupled to the top of outer tube 20. In oneembodiment, the mounting apparatus may also comprise an axle perch plate16 and U-bolt 10.

In embodiments, axle perch plate 16 may be coupled to a bottom end ofinner tube 18 and is configured to sit on axle 44. U-bolt 10 may extendaround axle 44 from the bottom and through a pair of openings in axleperch plate 16. U-bolt 10 may be secured to axle perch plate 16 byU-bolt washers 12 and U-bolt nuts 14. As best depicted in FIG. 3 , outertube 20 may be slidably adjusted to inner tube 18 in one of a pluralityof locking positions to achieve a desired height. Outer tube 20 may beconfigured to attach to back plate 38 and fender 42 as shown.

In embodiments as best depicted in FIGS. 2-5 , L-bracket 30 may coupleback plate 38 and fender 42 together. In one embodiment, fender 42 maycomprise a slot 40 for receiving L-bracket 30 therein. L-bracket 30 mayconnect to fender 42 by L-bracket bolts 32, L-bracket washers 34 andL-bracket nuts 36. Back plate 38 may be coupled to L-bracket 30 andcorresponding openings in outer tube 20 and inner tube 18 by heightadjustment bolts 24, height adjustment washers 26, and height adjustmentnuts 28. Thus, the mounting apparatus may couple the back plate 38 andfender 42 to axle 44, and further secure back plate 38 and fender 42around tire 46 within an inner fender well 50 of vehicle 48.

In embodiments as depicted in FIGS. 6-7 , the mounting apparatus can beused to secure back plate 38 and fender 42 to vehicle 48 in an underslung suspension 56 and drop axle 54 configuration. The components ofthe mounting apparatus may be secured together in the same manner aspreviously described.

It shall be appreciated that the number and type of components used inthe mounting apparatus to secure the back plate and fender to thevehicle can vary in alternative embodiments. Any type and number ofbrackets, fasteners, clamps or other components can be used.

In an alternative embodiment as depicted in FIGS. 8-11 , a firstalternate mounting apparatus is configured to secure fender 42 andalternate back plate 68 to axle 44 of the vehicle.

In this embodiment, the first alternate mounting apparatus may generallycomprise three telescoping assemblies, axle slot bracket 58 and axlebracket 70. In one embodiment as depicted in FIGS. 8-11 , axle slotbracket 58 and axle bracket 70 may be disposed around axle 44 of vehicle48. Mechanical fasteners such as bracket bolts 62, bracket washers 66and axle nuts 64 are used to couple axle slot bracket 58 and axlebracket 70 together.

In one embodiment, each telescoping assembly comprises alternate innertube 60 slidably mounted to outer tube 20 in one of a plurality oflocking positions. In one embodiment, each alternate inner tube 60 ofthe telescoping assemblies may be welded to axle slot bracket 58 orconnected together by another fastening component. The three telescopingassemblies may be coupled to corresponding L-brackets 30 used to couplefender 42 and alternate back plate 68 together.

In embodiments as best depicted in FIG. 9 , top L-bracket 30 may becoupled to fender 42 by bolts, washers and nuts. Top L-bracket 30 may becoupled to alternate back plate 68 and an upright telescoping assemblyusing fasteners such as washers, bolts and nuts. A pair of sideL-brackets 30 may be coupled to fender 42 and a pair of side telescopingassemblies by washers, bolts and nuts.

In this assembly, the first alternate mounting apparatus secures fender42 and alternate back plate 68 around tire 46. It shall be appreciatedthat each telescoping assembly can be slidably adjusted and locked intothe desired locking position by mechanical fasteners to enable the firstalternate mounting apparatus to accommodate the height of the particularaxle 44 and tire 46 of the vehicle.

In an alternative embodiment as depicted in FIGS. 12-15 , a secondalternate embodiment may comprise a back plate, which may also serve asa mounting apparatus to secure alternate fender 76 to axle 44 of thevehicle. In one embodiment, the second alternate embodiment maygenerally comprise a pair of back plates 74 and axle bracket 70 thatextend around axle 44 of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the pair ofback plates 74 and axle bracket 70 are disposed around axle 44 and aresecured together by axle bracket bolts 86, axle bracket washers 88 andaxle bracket nuts 90.

In embodiments as best depicted in FIGS. 13 and 15 , a pair ofL-brackets 78 may be welded to the interior wall of alternate fender 76.However, mechanical fasteners or other fastening components can be usedin alternative embodiments to secure L-brackets 78 to alternate fender76. Each back plate 74 may be coupled to one of the L-brackets 78 byL-bracket bolts 80, L-bracket washers 82 and L-bracket nuts 84. The topend of each back plate 74 may be coupled to an intermediate portion ofalternate fender 76 by bolt 80, washer 82 and nut 84.

While the alternate back plate/bracket depicted in FIGS. 12-15 providessome shielding of the tire face, in further alternative embodiments analternate back plate may be designed to provide more extensive shielding(e.g. at least about 30%, or at least about 40% of the inner tire face)to reduce or eliminate vacant space between the tire and the inside ofthe trailer wheel well and fender. In embodiments as depicted in FIGS.16-27 , a ‘wing’ type plate may cover approximately 40%-45% of the innerside face of the tire (or inner wheel well of the trailer). Thisreduction in space may be more effective in containing debris and mayreduce or eliminate damage to the interior wheel well and exterior ofthe trailer. However, it shall be appreciated that various design andgeometric configurations of the back plate may be employed withoutdeparting from the inventive concept.

As depicted in FIGS. 16-19 , a third alternate embodiment may comprisean alternate back plate 92 which may generally have a ‘wing’ brackettype design (i.e. “wing plate” or “wing plate/bracket”), and may besecured to axle 124 behind brake drum 126 and/or in front of the leafspring, according to various embodiments. The back plate 92 may alsoserve as a mounting apparatus to secure alternate fender 156 to axle 124of the vehicle.

In embodiments, back plate 92 (upper wing plate) may comprise a lowersemi-circular cutout, and may be secured to axle 124 via a lower wingplate 96 (lower wing plate bracket), comprising a corresponding uppersemi-circular cutout, such that axle 124 is encircled within thecutouts. In embodiments, corresponding tabs 94 on lower wing plate 96and back plate 92 may be attached via bolts 118, washers 122, and nuts120 to mount the back plate 92 to axle 124.

In some embodiments, the back plate 92 may be coupled to the axle 124via an axle U-bolt 128 and a U-bolt perch plate 130 that may attach to aU-bolt mounting plate 98. In embodiments, U-bolt mounting plate 98includes a vertical member which couples to the back plate 92 throughcentral mounting holes 114, 115 on the back plate 92 via bolts 118, nuts120, and washers 122. The central mounting holes 114, 115 may provideheight adjustment options for aligning the plate 92 with the U-bolt 128,as shown. The mounting plate 98 may further include a horizontal memberwhich may couple directly to U-bolt 128, over U-bolt perch plate 130 vianuts 132 and washers 134. In embodiments, a second U-bolt 128 mayprovide a reinforced attachment of the U-bolt 128 and U-bolt perch plate130.

Thus, this embodiment provides a winged back plate which includes tabson the upper wing plate that pinch together with tabs on the lower wingplate, to wrap around the axle, and bolt directly to the U-boltassembly.

In embodiments, the two attachment mechanisms, i.e. the U-bolt128/U-bolt mounting plate 98; and lower wing plate bracket 96 provide areinforced attachment of the back plate. It should be appreciated thatother fastening components and/or attachment mechanism can be used inalternative embodiments to couple back plate 92 and axle 124.

In some embodiments, fender 156 may be secured to back plate 92 viabrackets. In embodiments, a top L-bracket 116 may comprise platemounting holes and fender mounting holes. The top L-bracket 116 may besecured around a top section of back plate 92 via bolts 118 engagedthrough corresponding top mounting holes on plate 92, and secured vianuts 120, and washers 122. Side L-brackets 114, 115 may likewisecomprise plate mounting holes and fender mounting holes. The sideL-brackets 114, 115 may be secured around a side section of back plate92 via bolts 118 engaged through corresponding side mounting holes onplate 92, and secured via nuts 120, and washers 122. Fender 156 may thenbe attached via bolts 136 engaged through top and side mounting holes ofthe fender and corresponding fender mounting holes of the top L-bracket116, and side L-brackets 114, 115, respectively, via nuts and bolts.However, other fastening components and/or mechanism can be used inalternative embodiments to couple fender 156 to back plate 92.

As depicted in FIGS. 20-23 , a fourth alternate embodiment may comprisean alternate wing type back plate 138 which may be secured to axle 124via an axle bracket 146, which may be a drum brake plate. Inembodiments, axle bracket 146 may comprise a circular opening configuredto receive axle 124. Back plate 138 may comprise a lower semi-circularcutout, including surround holes configured to attach to a front side ofaxle bracket 146 via bolts 118, engaged through corresponding holes ofaxle bracket 146, and reinforcement brackets 140, 142 and 144, andsecured via nuts 120, and washers 122. In embodiments, bracket 140 maybe a lower wing plate bracket, comprising an upper semi-circular cutout,corresponding to the lower semi-circular cutout of back plate 138, andmay attach at a back side of axle bracket 146. Bracket 142 may be anupper diagonal C-plate bracket, and bracket 144 may be a lower diagonalC-plate bracket, wherein brackets 142 and 144 may comprise correspondingsemi-circular cutouts, and may attach behind lower wing plate bracket140 to encircle axle 124.

In some embodiments, fender 156 may be secured to back plate 138 via topL-bracket 116 and side L-brackets 114, 115. The brackets 114, 115, 116may be attached to plate 138 via bolts 118 engaged through correspondingmounting holes on the plate and brackets, and secured via nuts 120, andwashers 122. Fender 156 may then be attached via bolts 136 engagedthrough top and side mounting holes of the fender and correspondingfender mounting holes of the top L-bracket 116, and side L-brackets 114,115, respectively, via nuts and bolts. However, other fasteningcomponents and/or mechanism can be used in alternative embodiments tocouple fender 156 to back plate 138.

As depicted in FIGS. 24-27 , a fifth alternate embodiment may comprisean alternate back plate, which may be a split wing type back platecomprising a right side plate 148 and a left side plate 150. Inembodiments, the right side plate 148 may include a right semi-circularcutout, and the leftside plate 150 may include a corresponding left sidesemi-circular cutout, which are configured to encircle axle 124 when theplates are adjoined. In embodiments, axle bracket 146 together with anupperC-plate 152 and a lower C-plate 154 may reinforce the attachment ofright side plate 148 and left side plate 150 to axle 124. In someembodiments, right side plate 148 and left side plate 150 may be coupledto the front side of axle bracket 146, and upper and lower C-plates maybe coupled to the back side of axle bracket 146, wherein the componentsmay be secured via bolts 118 engaged through corresponding holes, andsecured via nuts 120 and washers 122.

In embodiments, fender 156 may be secured to back plates 148 and 150 topL-bracket 116 and side L-brackets 114, 115. The brackets 114, 115, 116may be attached to plates 148 and 150 viabolts 118 engaged throughcorresponding mounting holes on the plate and brackets, and secured vianuts 120, and washers 122. The top L-bracket 116 may comprise right sideand left side plate mounting holes for attachment of the top L-bracket116 to the right and left side plates 148, 150. In embodiments, fender156 may further be attached via bolts 136 engaged through top and sidemounting holes of the fender and corresponding fender mounting holes ofthe top L-bracket 116, and side L-brackets 114, 115, respectively, vianuts and bolts.

According to an exemplary embodiment, bracket 146 may be a 4 or 5-holeaxle bracket on the rear brake drum plate. Bolts may be, for example,⅜-inch carriage bolts (however, lengths may vary depending on mountingposition of brackets). In embodiments, the fender may be a 16-gaugesteel fender.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a wing plate bracket system may bemounted by removing the wheel from the trailer and wrapping the wingplate/bracket components around the trailer axle. Depending on the wingsystem type, the right and left or top and bottom sides of the wingplate may be coupled directly around the axle using reinforcementbracket(s). The bolts on either the axle bracket or U-bolt (depending onwhich wing system is used) may be removed. The wingplate/bracketmounting holes may then be aligned with the trailer axle holes and thewing brackets bolts may be attached to the same locations where theprevious bolts were removed. The reinforcement brackets may then beattached to the wing plate/bracket around the trailer. Once the wingplate/bracket has been mounted, L brackets may be attached to the wingplate with hardware (bolts, nuts, washers) to left, right and top sidesof the wing plate). The steel fender may thereafter be attached to theL-brackets, and the bolts may be tightened. The assembly may preferablybe checked for proper clearance, wherein the system may be adjusted byloosening the bolts slightly to adjust, and retightening. In furtherembodiments, the bracket and fender positioning and tightness of thebolts may be checked regularly after towing and/or after each usage,wherein appropriate adjustments may be made if needed.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a wing bracket/plate system may bemanufactured using 10-gauge metal sheets. Each individual part may becut using a water jet cutting system for the wing brackets and othercomponents. Once all components are cut, each piece may be inserted intoa brake press to make all necessary 90-degree bends in the correctlocations to ensure proper fit within the RV trailer wheel compartmentsand alignment. CAD designed diagrams may be used for each part involvedto assemble the system.

The system may be designed according to precise dimensions, includingdimensions of all additional hardware (e.g. bolts, spacers if needed),due to limited area of installation. Variances in measurements for sizeof trailer axles (by weight and diameter) and braking systems on traileraxles for placement of mounting and brake line holes in appropriatelocations may further be determined. Thus, the system may be preciselydesigned to ensure proper fit for effective protection and safetyfunctionality. Additionally, the size and shape of the wing bracket maybe determined to ensure optimal protection from debris and allow brakecooling while the vehicle/trailer is being towed. Adjustments may bemade to fit various trailer designs.

Thus, the above configurations may utilize a mounting element such as aU-bolt and/or mount directly to the drum brake plate/axle bracket. Thedifferent configurations may accommodate various trailer designs,including wheel well areas of the trailers and access to mount andremove the system (e.g. if needed after a tire blowout).

In embodiments, the disclosed system may enable the protective plateand/or protective steel fender, to be mounted to each individual tiremoving independently of all other tires and axles. In furtherembodiments, the disclosed system may be used for any axle combinationincluding single, tandem, triple axle, etc.

In embodiments, the protective components of the mounting apparatus maycomprise 10-gauge steel. However, it shall be appreciated that thecomponents of the disclosed system including mounting apparatusesdescribed in embodiments of the invention can be made from any materialsincluding, but not limited to, various metals, plastics, wood or othermaterials. In alternative embodiments, the number and type of fasteners,brackets or other components used in conjunction with the mountingapparatus to secure the back plate and fender to the axle of the vehiclecan vary.

A high speed road test was conducted, with a tire blowing out at 65 mph,using a wing-type plate which covered approximately 40%-45% of the innertire face (inner wheel well of the trailer), and a fender which coveredabout 50% of the rotating tire. The tested system proved highlyeffective as the trailer remained completely undamaged.

It shall be appreciated that the components of the mounting apparatusdescribed in several embodiments herein may comprise any alternativeknown materials in the field and be of any color, size and/ordimensions. It shall be appreciated that the components of the mountingapparatus described herein may be manufactured and assembled using anyknown techniques in the field. Terms such as ‘approximate,’‘approximately,’ ‘about,’ etc., as used herein indicate a deviation ofwithin +/−15%.

Persons of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate that numerous designconfigurations may be possible to enjoy the functional benefits of theinventive systems. Thus, given the wide variety of configurations andarrangements of embodiments of the present invention, the scope of theinvention is reflected by the breadth of the claims below rather thannarrowed by the embodiments described above.

What is claimed:
 1. A system for protecting a vehicle comprising: one ormore back plates that are configured to be secured to an axle of thevehicle, the one or more back plates covering a portion of a back sideof a tire connected to the axle; and a fender that is supported by theone or more back plates, the fender extending around an upper portion ofthe tire.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more back platesare secured to the axle via an axle bracket.
 3. The system of claim 2,wherein the axle bracket extends around the axle.
 4. The system of claim3, wherein the axle bracket forms a circular opening that receives theaxle.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more back platesextend at least partially around the axle.
 6. The system of claim 1,wherein the one or more back plates are secured to the axle via one ormore brackets.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the one or morebrackets include one or reinforcement brackets.
 8. The system of claim6, wherein the one or more brackets include an axle bracket.
 9. Thesystem of claim 6, wherein the one or more brackets comprise an upperdiagonal bracket and a lower diagonal bracket.
 10. The system of claim9, wherein the upper diagonal bracket and the lower diagonal bracketcomprise corresponding semi-circular cutouts for receiving the axle. 11.The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more back plates are securedto the axle via C-plate brackets.
 12. The system of claim 11, whereinthe C-plate brackets include an upper C-plate bracket and a lowerC-plate bracket.
 13. The system of claim 11, wherein the C-platebrackets include an upper diagonal C-plate bracket and a lower diagonalC-plate bracket.
 14. The system of claim 11, wherein the one or moreback plates are secured to the axle via an axle bracket.
 15. The systemof claim 1, wherein the one or more back plates are secured to the axlevia one or more tubes.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the one ormore tubes form a telescoping assembly.
 17. The system of claim 15,wherein the one or more tubes comprise a plurality of telescopingassemblies each of which secures at least one of the one or more backplates to the axle.
 18. The system of claim 1, wherein the fendercouples to the one or more back plates via one or more L-brackets.
 19. Asystem for protecting a vehicle comprising: one or more back plates thatare configured to cover a portion of a back side of a tire connected toan axle; a bracket assembly that extends around the axle, the bracketassembly securing the one or more back plates to the axle; and a fenderthat is supported by the one or more back plates, the fender extendingaround an upper portion of the tire.
 20. A system for protecting avehicle comprising: one or more back plates that are configured to covera portion of a back side of a tire connected to an axle; a first bracketand a second bracket that form a circular opening for receiving theaxle, the first and second brackets securing the one or more back platesto the axle; and a fender that is supported by the one or more backplates, the fender extending around an upper portion of the tire.